Jim Bisognani: Spring Into Collecting

Well, my friends, as this article posts, we are but a fortnight away from the official start of spring! Joyfully, the amount of daylight has been getting appreciably longer and will only be boosted further when we crank the clock dials forward and "spring" ahead by an hour. I just have to remind myself: About a month more and the winter wonderland will literally be a melting memory.

Time to shake out of that winter cocoon and spring into collecting! Once again, the main topic in communications with my fellow coindexters over the last few weeks has been not "if" but exactly "when" gold spot will break $3,000.

I had previously said that it would be by "spring," and we may still see that come to fruition. Who knows for sure? But geopolitical turmoil and accelerated tariffs going into effect will have a long and uncertain toll on markets across the globe. Certainly, the safe haven mindset is there in a big way for gold and silver.

Gold coins, of course, are always popular. The advantage — if there is one — during this unprecedented run-up in price is that the premiums associated with many better pre-1933 US gold coins has disintegrated. To prove this point, last week (when gold spot was trading at $2,905 per ounce and the melt value of a gold Double Eagle was at $2,810), a well-known Bay State trader was offering "no spots" $20 Saint-Gaudens coins graded NGC MS 63, available in lots of five at $2,800 per coin! That's correct: $20 Saint-Gaudens graded NGC MS 63 were available at $10 below melt value. Amazing, and a wonderful value to be had, as long as that is within your price range. Oh yes, the dealer did sell out.

1928 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle Click images to enlarge.

Certainly, many seasoned collectors and those who used to be active collectors are asking me: "What is the best series to get involved with?"

That's a hard question to answer. It really depends on the individual's finances and disposable income. While collecting can be very enjoyable, it is also something that needs nurturing and fulfillment on a more regular basis. For example, if an annual budget for a coindexter is around $2,000, then Double Eagles — even at such attractive levels — may not be a great choice for that individual. They might have to wait another year or more before adding any more coins to their collection.

In this instance, perhaps it would be better to acquire some more bullion-related silver or some better type coins in high grade. Whether it be US or world coins is up to you — which is more prudent and enjoyable?

Meanwhile, the established collector, who had put the numismatic hobby on the shelf for some reason, may also be spurred on by the metal fervor and could be anxious to become reacquainted in the marketplace. Perchance this old-school coindexter had a latent interest in a particular series that is now ready to be renewed. Find out what that is and point them in the right direction, factoring budget into the decision.

Another group of collectors are saying that they want to get back to the hobby because of all the chaos and uncertainty in the world. As Don from Connecticut put it, "It's great to go back to the hobby that was something so pleasant in my youth."

For those brand new to the hobby, it is indeed a different world of collecting than when I first got started in the pre-slabbing and pre-personal computer era.

Truthfully, the new generation hasn't really had much direct contact with coins in circulation — certainly much less than when I was a kid. After all, back in the dark ages of my youth, a handful of Lincoln Cents meant something. With those, you had buying power! Flash forward to 2025 and, while coins are still in circulation, minor coinage has very little buying power and most transactions are handled electronically.

However — and thankfully — there has been a spark. With the advent of the internet and hundreds of cable channels available, coins have enjoyed a bit of a renaissance. A newer generation has seen a rousing display of US and world coins on TV! Amazingly, coins brought right to you in your living room. You can get hooked with a sales pitch for US Silver Eagles as you wake from a shallow sleep at 3 a.m. on your sofa. It can be maddening, but also compelling. Just what do you buy?

While this is a convenient way to do some coin shopping, just be prudent and try to do some due diligence before buying something at 3 a.m., folks.

Also on the rise, as metal prices are accelerating, are the legions of telemarketers on the prowl. Some are legit, but many more are not. In most cases, the less-honest ones make unsolicited calls about coins and bullion. I received an unsolicited call on Tuesday from a salesperson from a very well-known firm. He was asking me if I was ready to make an investment in coins. I played along and said, "what are you talking about?"

The salesperson then said that "coins and gold have been amazing investments, and they've been selling portfolios for a million dollars or more, every day!" He enthusiastically reported to me that some of the clients' portfolios are now worth 2 to 3, or even 4 times what they paid initially. He then asked me if I was in a position for him to put together a "starter portfolio" of around $25,000 or more.

I once again played along and toyed with the idea of a $100,000 portfolio (of course, I wasn't going to go through with this). The salesperson said he would put together a portfolio for me to look at. Well folks, I received the proposed portfolio in my email today. This $100,000 portfolio contained a mixture of 10 ounces of gold, 5 raw BU Gold 2025 US Eagles and 5 one-ounce gold bars, along with eight certified US gold coins. There were also some key dates and other coins. Altogether, all of this could have easily been purchased for around $65,000.

Just food for thought. If you're "targeted" and are interested, be sure to ask questions and do your research.

Another possibility for your consideration: try collecting coins that remind you of something other than the coin itself. Try considering the design or theme — see if the coin evokes an image of something other than numismatics. One of my favorites is this pair of designs:

Clockwise from top left: an Austria Netherlands 1790 Liard, an Austria Netherlands 1790 2 Liards, a Netherlands 1757 Holland Silver Duit and a Netherlands 1749 Holland Duit Click images to enlarge.

These have always been personal favorites, other than numismatically. Being a movie geek, when I first saw this European duo over 50 years ago, it immediately reminded me of the famous Irving Berlin show tune "Puttin' on the Ritz." The tune was made famous by its appearance in 1939's Idiot's Delight, where a semi-capable but unflappable Clark Gable hoofed it with his top hat and cane. The song was re-introduced with a few new verses by Mr. Berlin in 1946's Blue Skies with Fred Astaire taking all others to school with his amazing dance moves. Finally, the song was properly immortalized in 1974's Young Frankenstein, where Peter Boyle and Gene Wilder did the honors with a hilarious rendition of the song.

Clark Gable (left) and Gene Wilder and Peter Boyle

Okay, back to coins. I mean, look at them! At first glance, the copper coin features the King of the Forest proudly stepping into action. Instead of blazing a top hat and cane, the lion presents his dance moves with a top hat and spear. It fits — after all, he is a lion. The silver Duit shows the lion practicing his dance moves within the "Dutch" garden while twirling his top hat.

Yes, my friends — whatever the motivation, enjoy your collecting endeavors!

Until next time, be safe and happy collecting!

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